Texas Concealed Handgun License Training

We offer a Texas Concealed Handgun License Training Course.

To register for our next CHL Class, please go to the Event Calendar at the top of the home page.

Concealed carry in Texas is by permit only. Non-residents can also apply for a permit.



Getting Your Concealed Handgun License



To qualify for a Texas CHL you must:


1. Not be under a protective order.

2. Have a clean criminal history, including military service and recent juvenile records.

3. Not be under a protective order.

4. Not be chemically dependent.

5. Not be of unsound mind.

6. Not be delinquent in paying fines, fees, child support, student loans, etc.

7. Be eligible to purchase a handgun by completing the NICS check.

8. Complete required training.

9. Be 21 years old. (Members and former members of the armed forces must be 18 years of age.)





Applying for the License


There are two steps to the process of obtaining a Texas concealed handgun license. You must complete an application and take a training course. These can be concurrent or you can do either one first.



Completing an Application. There are two ways to approach this part of the process:



1. Submitting a request by mail:


*Your instructor will have application packages for mail submission

*You will fill out the forms in the package during class

*All forms will be notarized during class

*Passport photos will be taken during class

*Fingerprints will be taken during class on the FBI and TDPS cards.

*If you have questions, your training course instructor should be able to help.



2. Submitting a request by internet:


Visit the Concealed Handgun Licensing & Instructor Certification Site at http:www.texasonline.state.tx.us/NASApp/txdps/chl/common/jsp/welcome.jsp .





You will need:


*Your Social Security Number

*Your Texas Driver License or Texas Identification Card

*A valid credit card. (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express)



Complete the online process.


DPS will send you the application forms to complete. If you have questions, call DPS at (800) 224-5744.




Taking the Training Course



Taking the training course will require 10-15 hours and includes a written examination and a shooting practical. You must pass both with a score of 70% or better.

*The written exam covers law, nonviolent conflict resolution, and handgun use and storage. It is not mainly about shooting.


*The shooting practical requires you to fire fifty rounds (slow fire) from a handgun of .32 caliber or greater, 20 rounds at three yards, 20 rounds at seven yards, and 10 at fifteen yards. If you qualify with a semi-auto, you will be able to carry a semi automatic or a revolver. If you qualify with a revolver, you are only certified to carry a revolver or a derringer.